After the excitement of being admitted to barber school wears off, you may start to worry about how you will pay for it. Rest assured you will not have to pay for your whole tuition out of pocket. There are many scholarships, grants and low-interest loans available to individuals pursuing post-secondary education. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the easiest way to access many of these funding sources.

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

Tax returns (your parent’s tax returns may be required if you are not eligible to claim independence)

1

Go to the FAFSA website, using the following web address: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm.

2

Click the link “Determine Your Dependency Status.” Follow the instructions on the screen that ask you to answer several questions. Your answers will be evaluated and used to determine whether or not you are independent. If you are not, you will need your parent’s financial information when filling out your FAFSA.

3

Navigate back to the home page and click the link “Search for school codes,” which will take you to a screen to answer some questions. Choose the option to search for school codes and follow the on-screen directions. If your school does not appear, it is likely it is not federally certified. If this is the case, you will not be eligible for governmental loans and grants. Once you have made sure your school is certified, return to the home page.

4

Click “Students & Parents Apply For a PIN” and go to a page explaining the significance of a PIN. Embedded in the text is a link to www.pin.ed.gov. Click on this and a new screen opens giving the option apply for a PIN. Click “Apply Now” and follow the on-screen directions. After you receive your PIN, write it down and store it somewhere safe. If you are a dependent, your parents also must apply for a PIN. A PIN is required for completing the FAFSA.

5

Return to the FAFSA homepage. Click on “Check Application Deadline Dates.” Look over the listed deadlines to determine when you need to have the FAFSA completed by. Return to the FAFSA homepage.

6

Click “Fill Out Your FAFSA.” Follow the on-screen directions, paying careful attention to what is being asked. You must provide information about your financial situation, data from your tax returns, what school you are applying to and various other personal details. If you are a dependent, your parents have to do the same. The FAFSA is rather long, so you may save it and return at a later time if you wish.

7

Click the FAFSA home page link “Open Your Saved FAFSA or Correction Application” to return to a saved form.

8

Submit your FAFSA by signing it electronically with your PIN. Access this option on the FAFSA home page.

9

Correct a mistake on an already submitted FAFSA by clicking the home page link “Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA.” Follow the on-screen directions. Understand that this may delay the receipt of your financial aid.

10

Find out the amount of financial aid you will receive from FAFSA by contacting your barber school. The amount you are awarded depends on the cost of the school and your family’s expected financial contribution. To view your expected financial contribution, go to the FAFSA home page and click “View and Print Your Student Aid Report.”

Tips & Warnings

Complete the FAFSA as early as possible as you will receive more funding if you do. Have all of your personal information gathered before you begin the FAFSA. This will simplify the process. If there are any discrepancies in your financial aid, contact your school before speaking to the FAFSA representative.

Avoid schools that do not have federal accreditation. Not only are they less legitimate, you will be ineligible for governmental loans and grants.

Be honest on your FAFSA. Schools randomly choose FAFSA applications for verification. If this happens, you are required to submit financial documentation. If they find any large discrepancies, all of your financial aid could be revoked.